From Baramati to Mantralaya: The Incredible Life Journey of Ajit Dada Pawar!

Ajit Pawar (1959–2026): The Strategic Genius Who Defined Maharashtra’s Political Maths!

In a shocking development for the nation, Ajit Anantrao Pawar, a titan of Maharashtra politics and the state’s Deputy Chief Minister, passed away on January 28, 2026, following a tragic aircraft crash in Baramati. Known as "Ajit Dada," he was a pivotal figure who bridged the gap between rural agrarian strength and high-stakes state governance.

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Ajit Pawar (1959–2026): The Legacy of Maharashtra’s Administrative Powerhouse

The sudden demise of Ajit Pawar marks the end of an era for the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the state of Maharashtra. From his roots in the cooperative sector to becoming the state's longest-serving Deputy Chief Minister, his career was a masterclass in political strategy and fiscal management.

1. Early Life and Biography

• Born: July 22, 1959, in Deolali Pravara, Ahmednagar district.
• Family: He was the son of Anantrao Pawar and the nephew of NCP patriarch Sharad Pawar. He was married to Sunetra Pawar, and they have two sons, Parth and Jay.
• Education: He completed his primary schooling in Deolali Pravara but stepped into a leadership role early to support his family after his father's passing.
• The Foundation: His leadership was forged in the cooperative movement, starting with the board of a cooperative sugar factory in 1982 and later serving as the chairman of the Pune District Central Cooperative (PDC) Bank for 16 years.

2. A Dynamic Political Career

Ajit Pawar was often referred to as a "doer" and a "no-nonsense administrator." His political journey spanned over three decades:

• Entry into Parliament (1991): He was first elected to the Lok Sabha from the Baramati constituency in 1991, but later vacated the seat for his uncle, Sharad Pawar.
• The Baramati Stronghold: Since 1991, he represented the Baramati Assembly seat for seven consecutive terms, maintaining an iron grip on his home turf through grassroots development.
• The Record-Breaking Deputy CM: He served as the 8th Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra for a record six terms under various chief ministers, including Devendra Fadnavis, Uddhav Thackeray, and Eknath Shinde.
• The Financial Strategist: As the state's Finance Minister, he was renowned for his grasp of numbers, presenting the Maharashtra budget multiple times with a focus on infrastructure and rural upliftment.

3. The Great Political Realignments

In recent years, Ajit Pawar became the center of Maharashtra's "power politics":

• The 2019 "Morning Oath": In a move that shocked the country, he briefly allied with the BJP to form an 80-hour government.
• The 2023 Split: He led a significant faction of the NCP to join the Mahayuti alliance, eventually winning the legal battle for the party name and "clock" symbol in early 2024.
• Final Role: At the time of his death, he was serving as the Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister in the Devendra Fadnavis-led cabinet.

4. Why He Was Called "Ajit Dada"

Beyond the corridors of power, he was known for his Janata Darbars, where he directly addressed the grievances of citizens. His administrative style was "corporate-like"—fast-paced, data-driven, and results-oriented. Whether it was the development of Pimpri-Chinchwad or drought relief for farmers, his signature was efficiency.